Zuma springs surprise with new mines minister

[miningmx.com] – IN an unexpected move South African president, Jacob Zuma, appointed a new minister of mineral resources: the ANC MP, Mosebenzi Joseph Zwane.

A relatively unknown figure, Zwane will be replacing Ngoako Ramatlhodi who has held the position since Zuma assembled a new cabinet in May 2013 when he started his second term in office.

Ramatlhodi has been appointed as the new Minister of Public Service and Administration, replacing the late Collins Chabane who died in a car accident in March this year.

Zwane previously served as MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development as well as Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in the Free State provincial government.

He will be sworn in at 4pm today at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Joseph Mathunjwa, president of the Association of Mineworkers & Construction Union told Bloomberg News that Zuma had erred in the appointment.

“One cannot slam the door in his face, but the point is he has no track record,’ said Mathunjwa. “He has only been on a provincial platform. Mining is another terrain, it needs a person with a thick skin,” he said.